Sailing Polarisvideo
#78 | Expedition Svalbard: Midnight Sun, Wildlife and One Big Decision
November 15, 2025 · 23 min · 4K views · Barents Sea
What this video covers
The crew of the sailboat Polaris navigates 352 nautical miles through Arctic waters from Tromsø, Norway, toward the remote island of Bjørnøya.22:17 During the transit, the crew monitors fuel consumption, noting 530 liters of diesel available, and uses the Barents Watch portal to track nearby commercial traffic and weather patterns.6:25 After encountering light winds and variable sea states, the crew decides to divert from their original course to Hornsund, Spitsbergen, to anchor at Kvalvika on Bjørnøya.9:37 They navigate through areas dense with Russian and Norwegian fishing trawlers, maintaining communication with vessels to ensure safe passage.14:01 Upon arrival at Bjørnøya, the crew anchors in 8 meters of water using 40 meters of chain and a Rocna anchor.22:34 The passage involves managing cold temperatures, as the boat lacks a heater, and timing their arrival to coincide with favorable weather windows for visiting the island's isolated meteorological station.6:17
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